Urban soils are typically very poor– lacking in nutrients, organic matter, microbial activity and good soil structure. Biosolids are the nutrient-rich materials recovered during the treatment of waste water that are carefully processed to make a soil amendment that helps address these shortcomings and build great soils for growing plants. Biosolids have been used for decades throughout the District and surrounding areas in tree plantings, soil remediation, green infrastructure, urban gardens and residential yards. Come learn more about DC Water’s biosolids program and how you can be involved in the movement for better soils.

Teacher Bio: Bill is responsible for ensuring biosolids operations and services at the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant (or “Water Resource Recovery Facility”) run smoothly. He also looks for new outlets for this nutrient-rich soil amendment. Previously he worked on a water and sanitation project in Kenya at the World Bank and held various engineering positions. He has a B.S. in chemical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master’s in Engineering for Sustainable Development from the University of Cambridge.